Globetel Communications Corp. announced July 13 that its wholly owned subsidiary Sanswire Networks LLC signed a cooperative research and development agreement with Proton Energy Systems Inc., a subsidiary of Distributed Energy Systems Corp.

Under this agreement, Proton will provide assistance in developing a regenerative fuel cell energy storage system for Sanswire’s high-altitude, remotely operated airship, or stratellite.

A stratellite is similar to a satellite but is stationed in the stratosphere rather than in orbit. Globetel claims that a stratellite will offer a cost-effective competitor to satellite for certain applications. At an altitude of 10 to 13 miles above the Earth, a stratellite will have clear line-of-sight communications to an entire major metropolitan area as well as being able to provide coverage across major rural areas. In addition to voice and data, proposed uses for the stratellite include providing cellular service, paging, fixed wireless telephony, high-definition TV and real-time surveillance, Globetel said.